The Story That Sparked It All

In this episode of The Player Development Pod, I take you back to the moment that changed everything for me. A 1990s Houston Cougar football legend—once celebrated, now broken—returned to campus for an alumni event. Homeless. Overweight. Forgotten.

Watching him cry while his teammates looked on in sadness wrecked me.

How could this happen to someone whose name is still in our record books?

That moment ignited something inside me. It became my why.

I left the coaching path and stepped into player development to ensure athletes are supported holistically for life—not just during their playing days.

This is the moment that changed my career—and I hope it changes how you see player development too.

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BOOK - Get YOUR copy of the Beyond The Field Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

SIGNED BOOK - Get a SIGNED copy here: https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/the-player-development-guide

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a globally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

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Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: edward@btfprogram.com

🎙 Welcome to Season 8 of The Player Development Pod!

We're kicking off this season with the episode that always starts it all: "What Is Player Development?"

Whether you're new to this space or a seasoned professional, this episode is your go-to breakdown of the entire field of player development.

In this kickoff episode, I’m walking you through:

✅ What player development really means

✅ The benefits it brings to athletes, programs, and communities

✅ The 10 areas of development you should know

✅ Real stories and insights straight from the field

✅ Excerpts and lessons from my book, The Player Development Guide

📘 Grab your copy of the book here → https://amzn.to/3TtnaA8

✍️ But if you want a signed copy, go here → https://www.btfprogram.com/btf-program-resources/p/the-player-development-guide

🧠 This book was created to eliminate the confusion, elevate the profession, and—most importantly—serve you. It’s not about me. It’s about helping you get clarity, take action, and make an impact in the lives of athletes you serve.

This isn’t just a guide. It’s your playbook to:

Build better programs

Engage athletes holistically

Create generational impact

📌 Whether you’re a coach, administrator, aspiring professional, or someone who just cares about athlete success—this episode will give you the framework, vision, and confidence to build what your athletes need.

👇 Let me know in the comments:

What does player development mean to you?

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Get Your Copy of the BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a globally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: edward@btfprogram.com

In this episode, we explore how young coaches—especially those close in age to their athletes—can be powerful assets in any program.

From connecting over shared life experiences like academics, mental health, and social media to leading by example through maturity, young coaches have the ability to care, communicate, and empower like few others can.

Whether you’re coaching your former teammates or stepping into a staff role for the first time, this episode reminds you that you don’t have to wait years to make a difference—you just have to show up with intention.

🎧 Tap in for encouragement, practical insight, and real talk that every young coach needs to hear.

💡 Resources Mentioned: https://beyond-the-field-player-development.kit.com/09c6129dc1

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Get Your Copy of the BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: edward@btfprogram.com

Why don’t coaches get player development? And is that… our fault?

In this episode, I take a raw and honest look at one of the biggest disconnects in athletics: the gap between player development and coaching. While other departments speak clearly about their contributions—coaches talk wins, academics talk GPAs, nutrition talks health—player development is often left in the shadows.

I dive into:

Why the value of player development isn’t obvious (and why that’s a problem)

The three steps we must take to clearly communicate our impact

How to translate our work into metrics, stories, and language coaches understand

And why our silence is costing us influence and respect

This episode is adapted from my latest LinkedIn newsletter and is a must-listen for any current or aspiring player development professional ready to elevate their voice and claim their seat at the table.

Get Your Copy of the BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: edward@btfprogram.com

Equipment used in the video

Camera: https://amzn.to/3P4AGbJ

Camera Tripod: https://amzn.to/4aL6s5A

Mic: https://amzn.to/43RF57P

Lighting: https://amzn.to/3SFmiaA

In this episode, I’m joined by Osman Kamara — a thought leader in athlete development whose YouTube interview is the most-watched in the space. He also delivered key insights at the 2025 Player Development Summit.

Together, we break down:

What the NCAA House Settlement means for athlete care and program structure

The top concerns athletes are silently carrying right now

How Osman uses NBA-level thinking to build innovative solutions

Why athletes must “stay out of each other’s pockets” to thrive

The evolving power of player development through connection, trust, and intentionality

This isn’t just a podcast — it’s a playbook. Whether you're new to the field or leading your department, Usman drops gems you can apply today.

🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

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Get Your Copy of the BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a globally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: edward@btfprogram.com

In this episode of The Player Development Pod, I share the hard truth: our silence is costing us.

Player development roles are being cut across college athletics—not because they’re not valuable, but because the value isn’t being communicated. Coaches and administrators can’t defend what they don’t understand. And too many of us are doing great work in the dark.

That’s why I commissioned a study of over 150 college football player development professionals to see how visible we really are. The results were eye-opening:

• 79% had an updated LinkedIn title

• But only 23% had ever posted about what they do

• 54% updated their Twitter bio

• 44% showed their role on Instagram

In this episode, I react to those findings and challenge everyone in the field to do one thing: Let them know. Let people know what you do, how you do it, and why it matters.

I also break down four key ways to communicate your impact right now:

1. Your Pitch

2. Your Program Details

3. Your Content

4. Your Resume

If you're in player development, this episode is a call to action. No more staying quiet. No more assuming people understand. It's time to speak up—for your athletes, your future, and the field as a whole.
🎯 Take the ScoreApp assessment and join the next Player Development Accelerator: https://edward-jones-po11g9mt.scoreapp.com

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BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: edward@btfprogram.com

Gus Felder on the NCAA House Settlement + The Future of Player Development

In this powerful conversation, Ed Jones II sits down with Gus Felder, Director of Player Development at the University of Nebraska, to break down how the NCAA House Settlement is reshaping college athletics—and what it means for player development professionals, departments, and athletes alike.

We dive deep into:

How Gus first reacted to the settlement announcement

The real risks he sees for athletes in the new paid model

Where player development must now step up

How Nebraska is preparing—and how other schools can do the same

Why mentorship still matters more than money

What athletic departments should never forget in this new era

A powerful message to athletes walking into the “Paid Athlete Era”

Whether you’re a coach, administrator, athlete, or someone working behind the scenes, this is a must-watch as we enter one of the most transformative moments in college sports history.

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📘 BOOK - The Player Development Guide:

https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

📰 Player Development Newsletter:

https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

💻 Player Development Plan Course:

https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development across the country.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– 🎙️ The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– 🎓 The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– 📰 The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– 🧭 The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– 📚 Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

🔗 Connect with Ed Jones II

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

📩 Let's Talk Player Development.

Email: info@btfprogram.com | edward@btfprogram.com

Website: https://www.btfprogram.com/

📱 Follow Beyond The Field

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

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10 Lessons in 10 Years of Player Development | The Player Development Pod

I am FINALLY telling my full player development story.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a full decade of work, wins, losses, and lessons in the world of player development. From stepping into my first role at the University of Houston in 2016… to hosting the Player Development Summit and publishing The Player Development Guide in 2025 — every year has brought a powerful lesson.

This episode is personal. It’s reflective. And it’s 100% real.

Here’s a preview of what I cover:

2016 — Impact over Position

2017 — Passion over Title

2018 — Someone’s Always Watching

2019 — Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

2020 — Let the Players Lead

2021 — Relationships Are the Program

2022 — The Real Ones Show Up

2023 — The People Want This Work

2024 — Be the Platform

2025 — Consistency Creates Impact

Whether you're in a player development role, trying to break into the field, or just curious what this work really looks like — this episode is for you.

Player Development Journey Assessment: https://edward-jones-8qvfl4ht.scoreapp.com

Player Development Retreat Inquiry: https://forms.gle/fchDR9xJftBUKKnr6

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BOOK - The Player Development Guide: https://amzn.to/4ju6ov3

Player Development Newsletter: https://beyondthefield.substack.com/

Player Development Plan Course: https://btfplayerdevelopmentcourses.thinkific.com/courses/player-development-plan-beginners

About Ed Jones II

Founder | Educator | Culture Builder | Voice of the Player Development Movement

Ed Jones II is a nationally respected authority in player development—known not just for what he does, but for how he builds people. With a career rooted in service, leadership, and transformation, Ed has impacted over 500 student-athletes across Power Five programs, including the University of Houston, the University of Kansas, and Baylor University, where he rose to Assistant Athletic Director.

Today, he is the founder and CEO of Beyond The Field, a pioneering company that equips schools, organizations, and leaders with the structure, strategy, and soul to build intentional off-the-field experiences for athletes. Through assessments, certification programs, high-impact workshops, and strategic consulting, Ed is helping shape the future of athlete development around the world.

He is also the creator of a fast-growing educational ecosystem that includes:

– The Player Development Pod (200+ episodes and counting)

– The Player Development Summit (the leading national event for professionals in the space)

– The Player Development Newsletter (insight and strategy delivered weekly)

– The Player Development Plan Course & Cohorts (a step-by-step blueprint for building programs that matter)

– Three published books, including the bestselling Player Development Guide

What sets Ed apart is his clarity. He doesn’t just speak about change—he builds systems that make it possible. Ed’s work sits at the intersection of education, athletics, and personal growth, and he’s quickly becoming the go-to mind for departments, directors, and decision-makers who want to build better, not just louder.

If you're building a program, a department, or a career in the space of athlete development, there are two types of people:

– Those who have connected with Ed Jones II.

– And those who are about to.

Connect with Ed here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edjonesii/

-

PLEASE LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, AND SHARE.

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com

Visit: https://www.btfprogram.com/

Follow:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/BTF_Program

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/btf_program/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BTFProgram

Let's Talk Player Development. Email me here: info@btfprogram.com